Modular ergonomic chair

ABSTRACT

A modular ergonomic chair capable of accommodating a variety of users and uses that includes a) a chair base, b) a support column coupled to the chair base, c) a seat base, including a seat base pivot, with the seat base coupled to the support column, d) a seat, including one or more mounts, with the seat coupled to the seat base pivot, and e) one or more knee support pads coupled to a knee support pivot, with the knee support pivot coupled to any of the preceding chair elements. The modular ergonomic chair is capable of supporting a user in a reclined, upright, or inclined position and may accommodate a number of additional task-specific components.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a Continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 11/210,350, filed on Aug. 23, 2005, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to the field of chairs and other seated, support apparatus.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Chairs may be found in nearly every home or office environment where they serve important functions in increasing productivity, relieving stress, decorative aesthetics, and so forth. However, most chairs cannot provide many of these features simultaneously and are purpose-built to favor one function or purpose at the expense of others.

There is thus a need for a chair that can effectively deliver form, function, and adaptability.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In order to meet the need for a versatile chair for use in home, office, and other settings, the present application provides a modular chair that can be easily adapted for a wide range of functions while comfortably and ergonomically supporting a diverse range of users and body types.

In one embodiment, the application provides an ergonomic chair with (a) a chair base; (b) a support column coupled to the chair base; (c) a seat base having a seat base pivot, with the seat base coupled to the support column; (d) a seat having at least one mount, the seat being coupled to the seat base pivot; and (e) one or more knee support pads that are coupled to a knee support pivot, with the knee support pivot coupled to one or more of the chair base, the support column, the seat base, and the seat.

In another embodiment, the seat has more than one mount. Preferably, the seat may have a mount in the front and one situated on the back, relative to the facing of a typical user. In an embodiment, such mounts may find use as coupling points for further attachments.

In yet another embodiment, the chair has more than one knee support pad. Preferably, the chair has two knee support pads. In an embodiment having more than one knee support pad, the knee support pads pivot independently on the knee support pivot, to which they are attached.

In an embodiment of the chair, a modular support member, capable of supporting one or more removable attachments, is coupled to a seat mount. Preferably, the coupling between modular support member and the seat mount is non-permanent and made using a locking pin mechanism.

In one embodiment employing a support member, the knee support pivot is coupled to the modular support member. Preferably, the coupling between the knee support pivot and the support member is non-permanent and may be made at a variable position on the support member. Even more preferably, the coupling between the knee support pivot and the support member is made using a securing means, such as a locking pin mechanism, or equivalent coupling means. In another embodiment employing a support member, a thoracic support pad is coupled to the modular support member. Preferably the thoracic support pad is a chest support pad. Preferably, the coupling between the thoracic support pad and the modular support member is non-permanent and made at a variable position on the support member. More preferably, the coupling between the thoracic support pad and the support member is made using a locking pin mechanism.

In yet another embodiment of the chair employing a modular support member, a head support is coupled to the modular support member. Preferably, the coupling between the head support and the modular support member is non-permanent and made at a variable position on the support member. More preferably, the coupling is made using a locking pin mechanism.

In an additional embodiment employing a modular support member, a work surface is coupled to the support member. Preferably, the coupling between the work surface and the modular support member is non-permanent and made at a variable position on the support member. More preferably, the variable coupling is made using a locking pin assembly.

In an additional embodiment employing a modular support member, an armrest is coupled to the support member. Preferably, the coupling between the armrest and the modular support member is non-permanent and made at a variable position on the support member. More preferably, the variable positioning is made using a locking pin assembly.

In an embodiment employing an armrest, a tray is coupled to the armrest. Preferably, the coupling between the tray and the armrest is non-permanent.

In another embodiment, the seat may pivot on the seat base pivot pin to which it is coupled so as to present a declined, a substantially horizontal, or inclined position. In an embodiment, the chair can accommodate a user in a range of seating positions from reclined, to upright, to inclined.

In yet another embodiment, the chair base has a plurality of articulating support legs.

In an embodiment of the chair, the chair base is adapted for permanent or semi-permanent attachment to a floor.

Without limitation, a plurality of independently pivoting knee pads may find use as an improvement for an existing chair.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

FIG. 1 is a side elevation of a chair incorporating elements of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a side elevation of a modular a chair incorporating elements of the present invention with collapsed legs.

FIG. 3 is a top view of a chair incorporating elements of the present invention.

FIG. 4A is an isometric view of a modular support member of the present invention.

FIG. 4B is a side view of a modular support member of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is an isometric front-side view of a chair incorporating elements of the present invention.

FIG. 5A is an isometric view of a knee support assembly of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a side view of a chair incorporating elements of the present invention showing a seated, inclined user.

FIG. 7 is a side view of a chair incorporating elements of the present invention showing a seated, reclined user.

FIG. 8 is an isometric view of a work surface for use with a chair of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a side view of a chair incorporating elements of the present invention, including a tray for use with a chair of the present invention.

In the figures, identical numbering indicates the same structure appearing in different figures.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present application discloses several elements useful in chair design. These elements may find use individually within a given chair or in combination within a single chair. It is understood that these distinctive elements may be incorporated into existing chair designs or combined, in whole or in part, into new designs.

For clarity, elements of the invention may be easily understood with reference to the following non-limiting examples.

FIG. 1 depicts a chair embodying aspects of the invention.

As shown, the chair comprises a chair base 100. As depicted, the chair base comprises wheel-bearing legs 102. In one embodiment, wheel-bearing legs 102 articulate or collapse. Articulation or collapse of legs 102 may allow for a more compact profile and portability, as seen in FIG. 2. In an alternate embodiment, the chair base is adapted for permanent or semi-permanent attachment to a floor. In such an alternate embodiment, the chair base does not comprise wheel-bearing legs but instead comprises a substantially horizontal flange, wherein are formed a hole or holes to receive screws or bolts for permanent or semi-permanent attachment to a floor. Comparable means for attaching the chair base to a floor may be substituted for the flange. In yet another embodiment, the floor to which the chair base is permanently or semi-permanently attached is the floor of a bus, aircraft, train, or other form of mass transit. Mounted on chair base 100, is a support column 104. Preferably, the support column comprises a mechanism 106 for adjusting the length of the support column, such as a pneumatic cylinder, and ultimately the height of the user when seated. A seat base 108 is mounted on the support column. In the embodiment of FIG. 1, the seat base comprises a pivot 110 to which seat 112 of the chair is coupled, and a semicircular guide 111 that allows for control of the degree of seat pivoting by means of insertion points arranged along the outer edge of guide 111. Coupling via the pivot allows seat 112 to pivot along an arc so as to present an inclined, substantially horizontal, or declined position. In the present embodiment, seat 112 comprises a spring-loaded pin 109, a seat support 113, a seat pad 118, a front mount 114, and a rear mount 116. In alternative embodiments the seat may comprise fewer components or additional components. Pin 109 of seat 112 engages with the insertion points of semicircular guide 111 of seat base 108 to determine the position of seat 112. In alternate embodiments, other comparable means of securing seat 112 along its arc of movement may be employed.

Occupants of the chair are thus able to sit in an inclined, upright, or reclined position, based on the position of the seat along its pivot range. As seen in FIG. 1, seat 112 comprises two mounts: a front mount 114 and a rear mount 116. In alternate embodiments, any number of mounts may be used. The mounts of alternate embodiments may be located at positions other than the front or rear, such as a along the side of seat 112. Mounts 114 and 116 each comprise a securing means. The securing means may be constructed as securing means 406 shown in FIG. 4A. As used in this application, a securing means is any means or mechanism capable of establishing a permanent or non-permanent coupling with another structure. In one embodiment, mounts 114 and 116 comprise locking pin mechanisms, as seen in FIG. 1.

In the embodiment of the securing means seen in FIG. 4A, securing means 406 is a locking pin mechanism comprising a rectangular guide bracket 408 and a spring-loaded, locking pin 410. In the embodiment, the rectangular guide bracket 408 finds use as a receiver for a member comprising one or more insertion points that engage with the matching, spring-loaded locking pin 410 to establish a coupling. An example of such a member is central beam 400, described in more detail below, having holes as its insertion points. The spring of spring-loaded pin 410 provides tension to engage pin 410 with the insertion points of the member received by guide bracket 408. It is generally understood that any comparable means or mechanism for securing may be substituted for any of the locking pin mechanisms found in the chair of the invention. By way of example, securing may alternatively be achieved by using a threaded screw, for use with matched, threaded insertion points, rather than a locking pin mechanism.

Seat pad 118 may take any shape suitable for supporting a seated user. Preferably, seat pad 118 is shaped as seen in FIG. 3. As seen in FIG. 3, seat pad 118 is substantially symmetrical when bisected by a longitudinal axis, with the width being greater at the back, as referenced by the preferred user seating orientation, than at the front.

The chair of FIG. 1, also comprises a modular support member 122. In FIG. 1, the modular support member is non-permanently and adjustably coupled to securing means of front mount 114. The modular support member may be readily coupled to securing means of rear mount 116, as well. In alternative embodiments, the modular support member is coupled to other components of the chair, such as the seat base or the support column. Preferably, securing means of mounts 114 and 116 are locking pin mechanisms as previously described. Modular support member 122 may support a variety of additional chair components.

In one embodiment seen in FIG. 4 and FIG. 4B, modular support member 122 comprises a substantially linear central beam 400 dividing into two parallel arms 402 and 404. Arm 402 angles so as to extend below the plane of central beam 400 before angling to extend parallel with central beam 400 while arm 404 angles so as to extend above the plane of central beam 400 before angling to extend parallel with central beam 400. Central beam 400 and arms 402 and 404 comprise attachment or insertion points for securing means, such as securing means of front mount 114 or rear mount 116 of FIG. 1.

The chair of FIG. 1 comprises a knee support assembly 124. In the embodiment of FIG. 1, the knee support assembly is coupled to modular support member 122. However, it is understood that knee support assembly 124 may be coupled to other elements of the chair in alternate embodiments.

As seen in FIGS. 5 and 5A, knee support assembly 124 (FIG. 5A) comprises two independent knee support pads 500 and 502. Assembly 124 further comprises a securing means 504. Preferably, securing means 504 is a locking pin mechanism of comparable structure and function to other locking pin mechanisms described herein. Assembly 124 further comprises pivot stops 506 and 508 for use in limiting the arc of rotation of knee support pads 502 and 500, respectively. Support member 122 is depicted in FIG. 5A to provide a point of reference, but does not comprise an element of knee support assembly 124. In certain embodiments not shown, the chair may comprise a single knee support pad or more than two knee support pads. Each knee support pad is adjustably coupled to knee support pivot 126. In this embodiment, pivot 126 is a substantially linear and horizontal rod that allows a coupled knee support pad to pivot along an arc centered on pivot 126, as seen in FIG. 5A. In the present embodiment, knee support pads 500 and 502 are mounted distally along the pivot 126 as seen in FIG. 5A. In an alternate embodiment, the knee support pads are mounted proximally along the pivot. In yet another embodiment, the knee support pads are mounted adjustably along the pivot such as by use of a threaded, drilled, slotted, or otherwise configured pivot that accommodates movement of the knee support pads along the length of the pivot and preferably accommodates securing of each knee support pad at a selected position such as by means of a locking pin mechanism as disclosed elsewhere, herein. When more than one knee support pad is in use, each knee support pad pivots independently of any other knee support pad, along an arc centered on pivot 126, as evident in FIG. 5. Independent pivoting of knee support pads allows a chair of the invention to accommodate a wide range of user body type, seating positions, and leg positions. Further, independent pivoting offers users greater freedom of movement. As with other elements of the present application, knee support assembly 124 may find use as an improvement to currently existing chairs.

The chair of FIG. 1 also comprises a thoracic support pad 130 coupled to support member 122. The support function of thoracic support pad 130 is determined by the mount to which support member 122 is currently coupled. When support member 122 is engaged with front mount 114, as depicted in FIG. 1, thoracic support pad 130 provides a chest support pad for the user, as can be seen in FIG. 6. When support member 122 is engaged with rear mount 116, thoracic support pad 130 provides a back support pad for the user, as seen in FIG. 7. In FIG. 1, thoracic support pad 130 is non-permanently and adjustably coupled to support member 122 by securing means 132. In other embodiments, alternate coupling means are used. Preferably, securing means 132 is a locking pin mechanism as previously described.

As seen in FIG. 1, the chair comprises an armrest 134 coupled to support member 122. In this embodiment, armrest 134 is adjustably coupled by securing means 136. As shown, securing means 136 is a locking pin mechanism as previously described. Armrest 134 provides a convenient resting surface for a user's forearms, when support member 122 is coupled to front mount 114 as seen in FIG. 6.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the chair comprises a head support 138 coupled to support member 122. In an embodiment, head support 138 may be adjustably coupled by securing means 140 or comparable adjustable coupling means. Preferably, securing means 140 is a locking pin mechanism. Head support 138 provides a convenient resting surface for a user's head, when support member 122 is coupled to front mount 114, as seen in FIG. 6.

As seen in FIG. 8, the chair comprises a work surface 800 coupled to support member 122. In this embodiment, work surface 800 is adjustably coupled by securing means 802. Preferably securing means 802 is a locking pin mechanism as previously described. Work surface 800 may support any number of objects for manipulation, examination, or interaction with or by the user. For example, work surface 800 may support tool holder 804. It is understood that work surface 800 may take any of a number of forms capable of supporting any number of objects for manipulation, examination, or interaction with or by the user. In FIG. 8, work surface 800 is formed with hooks 806 to support tools and implements. In alternative embodiments, the work surface holds tools and implements, such as scissors, combs, brushes, and hairdryers, of use to a hair stylist.

In yet another embodiment, and as seen in FIG. 9, the chair comprises a tray 900 coupled to armrest 134. Tray 900 is permanently or adjustably coupled to armrest 134 by securing means 902. Tray 900 may support any number of objects for manipulation, examination, or interaction with or by the user. It is understood that tray 900 may take variable forms capable of supporting any number of objects for manipulation, examination, or interaction with or by the user. In this specific embodiment, tray 900 supports a keyboard 904 as shown. Alternatively, the tray may support a book, or documentation, for use by an occupant.

One skilled in the art will understand the inventive aspects disclosed in the foregoing. One skilled in the art will further understand that many alternatives and variations exist with regard to the detailed embodiments presented, and that such alternatives and variations are within the scope and contemplation of the invention set forth in the claims that follow. 

1. An ergonomic chair comprising: a) a chair base; b) a support column coupled to said chair base; c) a seat base, comprising a seat base pivot, said seat base coupled to said support column; d) a seat, comprising a mount, said seat coupled to said seat base pivot; and e) a plurality of knee support pads, each knee support pad coupled to a knee support pivot, said knee support pivot coupled to one or more of said chair base, said support column, said seat base, and said seat; wherein said plurality of knee support pads are capable of pivoting independently on said knee support pivot.
 2. The chair of claim 1 comprising a plurality of said mounts.
 3. A chair comprising an improvement wherein the improvement comprises: a plurality of independently pivoting knee support pads mounted on a pivot.
 4. The chair of claim 1, further comprising a modular support member coupled to said mount.
 5. The chair of claim 4, wherein said modular support member comprises a unitary first portion for coupling to said mount, and an at least bifurcated second portion for coupling to one or more components.
 6. The chair of claim 5, where said one or more components are independently selected from the group consisting of a thoracic support pad, an armrest, a work surface, a tray, and a head support.
 7. The chair of claim 4, wherein said modular support member comprises a first arm and second arm, wherein said first arm and said second arm are substantially parallel.
 8. The chair of claim 7, wherein said modular support member further comprises a central beam forming a central plane, wherein said first arm angles so as to extend below the plane of the central beam before angling to extend parallel with the plane of the central beam, and wherein said second arm angles so as to extend above the plane of the central beam before angling to extend parallel with the plane of the central beam.
 9. The chair of claim 4, wherein the coupling between said modular support member and said mount is non-permanent and can be made at variable positions on said support member using a locking pin mechanism.
 10. The chair of claim 4, wherein said knee support pivot is coupled to said modular support member.
 11. The chair of claim 10, wherein the coupling between said modular support member and said knee support pivot is non-permanent and may be made at variable positions along the length of said support member using a locking pin mechanism.
 12. The chair of claim 4, further comprising a thoracic support pad coupled to said modular support member.
 13. The chair of claim 12, wherein the coupling between said modular support member and said thoracic support pad is non-permanent and may be made at variable positions on said modular support member using a locking pin mechanism.
 14. The chair of claim 12, wherein said thoracic support pad is a chest support pad.
 15. The chair of claim 4, further comprising a work surface coupled to said modular support member.
 16. The chair of claim 4, wherein said modular support member is connected to said mount.
 17. The chair of claim 1, wherein said seat may pivot on said seat base pivot so as to present an inclined, a declined, or a substantially horizontal position.
 18. The chair of claim 1, wherein said seat base further comprises a semi-circular guide having a plurality of insertion points arranged along the outer edge of said semi-circular guide.
 19. The chair of claim 1, wherein said chair base comprises a plurality of articulating support legs.
 20. The chair of claim 1, whereby a first knee support pad of said plurality of knee support pads is able to provide support to a knee of a user seated in said chair at a rotational position on said knee support pivot that is independent of the rotational position of a second knee support pad of said plurality of knee support pads on said knee support pivot. 